Story by Lisa Moralee
Photographs by Louise Bick
ORT SA’s Skills Development Department runs the Educator Assistant programme, which is sponsored and accredited by Services SETA. The aim of the pilot programme is to help 100 newly matriculated learners gain an NQF4 certificate (National Qualification Framework) in Project Management.
During their studies the learners also gain valuable experience through assisting teachers. “This gives the youth a chance to further their education, while giving much needed assistance to teachers” says Skills Development HOD, Tracy Mayhew.
The Educator Assistant programme has been rolled out in 12 High Schools, 6 in Alexandra and 6 in Diepsloot. Each school has about 5 educator assistants, who work together throughout the year. They are placed in a working environment within their schools in order to prepare them for the world of work. Not only are they assisting teachers in a school environment, they are also learning to work as a team.
The “Crazy Zoo Race” was organised in order to “enhance the relationships with their colleagues” says Mayhew. The teams took on the challenge to collect clues, make cereal necklaces and solve puzzles. Thereafter prizes were awarded, which included school backpacks, t-shirts, vuvuzelas and water bottles.
Since starting the programme the Educator Assistants have rolled out a few projects of their own. In March they organised a career day for all the Matrics in the Alexandra High Schools. The event was held at the San Kopano Community Center. In June, 30 Educator Assistants helped Skills Development trainers during the ORT SA Fun Day in Alexandra.
After completing the programme some assistants believe that they will continue to teach, while others would like to pursue a career in Project Management.ORT SA is encourage by the programme “we confident about its future as a means to prepare the youth for life” says ORT SA Chairman, Irwin Lipworth, “at the same it creates support for the High School teachers and helps them to cope”.
ORT Zoo - ORT SA Educator Assistants ran a “Crazy Zoo Race” at the Johannesburg Zoo.jpg
